382 Observations o?) the Flora of Courtalhhfi. [On . 



colder and more condensed state, to fi warmer and 

 more raritied condition : a principle which prol)ahly in- 

 creases the intense dryness of our hot land winds, and 

 perhaps assists in some degree in explaining their origin. 



7'hese local pecnliarities prove very advantageoiis tp 

 invalids, as well as to those whose systems have been 

 innervated by a residence on the plains durin^^ the hot 

 Hionths of March, April and May, jill of whom ought, 

 in my opinion, as far as circumstances will j^ermit, to he 

 allowed to spend s^onie portion of the season there; 

 coolness uncomhinod with ahnospherical humidity, be- 

 ing of all others, the cliuiate best adapted for the resto- 

 ration of tone to the system, when much debilitated by 

 previous great atmospherical heat. It is certainly much 

 to be regretted that the Ccurtallum season does not 

 commence two months sooner, for in that case this part 

 of India might almost consider itself independent of the 

 Neilgherry hills ; as it is, it possesses a climate, ia which 

 invalids may be prepared for tht) much greater change 

 of the bills, and be better fitted to derive full advantage 

 from a shorter residence on them, than might otherwise 

 be necessary. To those whose hea'ih requires change 

 of climate, Courtallum holds out. other inducements de- 

 serving some further (Jonsideration : — here durin^g the 

 months of June, July", and August, when other parts of 

 the country, not irrigated, are dry and burned up, all is 

 green and lively, the scenery is rich and varied, and the 

 whole enlivened with a series of beautiful Vato:>falls 

 forming a tout en.^cmhle the contemplation of which is 

 highly grateful to the eye, and soothing to the feelings. 

 The lowest and most conspjicuous of the series of water- 

 Jcills is nearly 200 feet in height, the water of which be- 

 ing much broken in its descent, forms a favourite bath- 

 ing place,where the bathers enjoy the benefit of a showei' 

 bath on the grandest scale. 



I have already hinted at the beauty of the scenery. 



